Burning Down the House
About This Novel
As they draw closer to the Uprising, divided loyalties and personal jealousies deepen the rift among the leadership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Having agreed to supply weapons for the rebellion, the German High Command plan to secretly transport 20,000 rifles to the west coastline on the eve of the Rising. Unbeknownst to the conspirators, the plans have become known to British Military Intelligence who endeavour to crush the rebellion without revealing their hand.
Racked with guilt for having started the fire which killed his childhood sweetheart, Sean Maguire descends into an abyss of guilt, rancour, and self-loathing. Reluctantly he returns to Monto working for Edith Barrett, the notorious Princess, unaware as to what happened to Amy.
Following on from The Notetakers, Burning Down The House continues the gripping stories of spies, divided loyalties, and deceit in a city moving ever closer to Revolution.
Story Highlights
Front & Back Cover
Front Cover
Back Cover
What Readers Say
"Even better than The Notetakers. Barry O'Brien has clearly done his homework — the detail around the German arms shipment and the inner tensions of the IRB leadership feel utterly authentic. Sean Maguire's return to Monto is heartbreaking. I read it in two sittings and immediately wanted a third book."
— Máire
"A gripping and beautifully written sequel. The atmosphere of Dublin on the eve of the Rising is captured perfectly — you can feel the city holding its breath. O'Brien weaves the personal and the political together with real skill. Highly recommended, though read The Notetakers first."
— Patrick
"I picked this up not long after finishing The Notetakers and couldn't put it down. The divided loyalties, the espionage, the tragedy of Sean and Amy — it all comes together brilliantly. A wonderful piece of Irish historical fiction from a writer who clearly loves his subject."
— Caroline
